"Punchestown witnessed thrilling performances as Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins showcased their training brilliance, while emerging stars hinted at a captivating Cheltenham Festival ahead, igniting excitement among racing fans and pundits alike."
On Sunday at Punchestown, Gordon Elliott displayed his exceptional training capabilities as Touch Me Not secured a convincing win in the Grade 2 BetVictor Craddockstown Novice Chase. Sam Ewing executed a remarkable display of front-running tactics on Elliott's second-string entry, who jumped with great skill and showed confidence throughout the race. Even when a loose horse momentarily interrupted the race down the back straight, Touch Me Not remained composed, regaining control and demonstrating a level of maturity that belied his limited experience in chasing.
Farren Glory, a stablemate ridden by Jack Kennedy, posed a challenge two fences out, seemingly ready to contest the leader. However, Touch Me Not's endurance and excellent jumping were crucial, as he pulled ahead following a flawless leap at the last fence to secure victory by six lengths. While Farren Glory remained consistent, he ultimately finished in second place, with Nurburgring taking third at odds of 3/1. Early excitement in the race occurred when Fascile Mode, who had previously defeated Touch Me Not at the same track, fell at the second fence, also bringing down the heavily favored Jordans, which left punters shocked.
Franciscan Rock (12/1), trained by Mouse Morris, made a strong comeback in the Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle, showcasing a determined performance under the guidance of 5lb claimer Gavin Brouder. Following the rider's momentum from last week’s Troytown victory, the seven-year-old took the lead two fences out and surged into the home straight. Although Slanagaibhgoleir posed a brief threat at the last fence, it was Karl Des Tourelles (10/1), a lightly raced four-year-old, who presented the greatest challenge in the closing stages. Nonetheless, Franciscan Rock demonstrated noteworthy tenacity to clinch victory by a narrow margin and secure an important position in the Cheltenham Festival final, pending the fulfillment of the weight criteria.
Desertmore House (8/1) held on to secure third place, while Slanagaibhgoleir dropped to fourth. Great Universe, one of the joint favorites at 5/1, finished in fifth position within a highly competitive lineup.
Willie Mullins maintained his impressive form as Lot Of Joy secured a stable one-two finish in the Frontline Security Grabel Mares' Hurdle. Paul Townend skillfully managed the pace on the 6/4 favorite, leading from the front and jumping with precision. While Feet Of A Dancer (7/2) presented a challenge after the second-to-last flight, Lot Of Joy countered with a strong surge, pulling ahead to win by four lengths. Her stablemate Risk Belle (8/1) finished in second place, while Feet Of A Dancer took third.
After the race, Mullins expressed his contentment with Lot Of Joy's development, especially her capability to manage challenging ground conditions. “She’s becoming more settled and is improving with each outing,” Mullins noted. With Leopardstown approaching and the chance of increasing the distance to two and a half miles, Lot Of Joy has entered the Cheltenham Festival Mares' Hurdle market at an attractive 20/1.
Henry de Bromhead’s The Big Westerner (4/1) made a strong impression on her Rules debut, securing a decisive win in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. Ridden assertively by Darragh O'Keeffe, the mare maintained a steady pace before taking control on the home straight. Although she had a slight mistake at the final hurdle, she had ample energy left to hold off the well-regarded Argento Boy (11/10 favorite) by a length, with Did I Ask You That (28/1) finishing in a distant third.
De Bromhead expressed his strong admiration, highlighting the mare's potential for both the winter and spring seasons. "She's a large, scopey horse who will excel on festival ground," he remarked, suggesting ambitious goals for Cheltenham, where she is listed at 33/1 for both the two-and-a-half-mile novice hurdle and the Albert Bartlett.
In the day's initial event, the Colm Quinn BMW Risk Of Thunder Chase, Gavin Cromwell's Stumptown (3/1) put forth an impressive display, securing a well-earned victory and reinforcing his status as a contender to watch for upcoming spring events. With a skillfully executed ride, Stumptown demonstrated a fine blend of strategic insight and natural talent, leaving his connections feeling hopeful about his chances at Cheltenham.
The card on Sunday at Punchestown served as a striking reminder of the strength and vibrancy present within the current Irish training ranks. Highlighting Gordon Elliott's supremacy in novice chases alongside Willie Mullins' unmatched expertise in mares' hurdles, the day’s events offered an exciting preview of the talents that are expected to shine at Cheltenham next spring. With each performance, the storyline for the Festival becomes increasingly compelling, leaving both fans and analysts eagerly looking forward to what is to come.
